Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate
Default students: earn a validated Certificate in Cybersecurity Fundamentals in approximately 10–15 hours, self-paced. A limited number of seats remain.
For Default students:
14-day withdrawal (full refund) before completion
Self-paced · Start immediately
Default can enroll at heavily discounted prices through the enrollment deadline -
from $299 to $99.00
Default students are eligible through August 25th.
Enrollment closes at 11:59 PM CT. If you plan to enroll, we recommend completing
enrollment before the deadline.
Why this certificate matters
96%
Employers suggest certificates strengthen applications
$12K
Average reported salary increase with certificate
9/10
Hiring managers prioritize candidates with certificates
Based on industry surveys and self-reported outcomes from certificate program completers.
Individual results may vary.
Program Overview
Overview
Overview
The Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate Program is designed for college students interested in developing strong, in-demand cybersecurity fundamentals skills required across a wide range of roles and industries. It provides a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals, covering core concepts, tools, and techniques used to protect digital systems, manage information security risks, and support secure operations in professional environments.
Whether you are applying for internships, your first job out of college, or competitive early-career positions, this program helps prepare you for roles where cybersecurity fundamentals knowledge is a required part of the job.
Key Features
Audience
Designed for students interested in cybersecurity fundamentals and roles that involve information security, IT support, and risk management. The program is well suited for students across computer science, information systems, engineering, and arts and sciences, as well as anyone seeking to strengthen their résumé for security-focused roles across industries.
Duration
Four months of access per semester to course materials and resources. At the end of four months, you can renew your access if needed.
Time to Complete
Expected to be completed within 10 to 15 hours, allowing for flexible, self-paced learning.
Certificate
Certificate in Cybersecurity Fundamentals.
Optional Custom Emphasis
Leveraging advanced AI technology, the program offers a personalized learning experience that allows students to tailor their certificate toward a specific industry or career direction.
Rather than focusing solely on abstract security concepts, students may select an emphasis aligned with the types of roles or industries they are interested in pursuing, such as network security, information assurance, digital privacy, risk management, or IT security operations.
For example, a student interested in network or IT security roles may choose an emphasis in network security. This emphasis would be reflected in the title of the certificate earned; for example:
Certificate in Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Emphasis: Network Security
This approach helps students clearly communicate relevance to employers while maintaining broad applicability across industries.
Why This Certificate Matters
Cybersecurity fundamentals skills appear in job descriptions across industries. This certificate provides a clear and credible way to demonstrate information security knowledge, readiness for security-focused roles, and the skills employers expect.
Key Features
No key features available.
Optional custom emphasis
No custom emphasis available.
